Allergy season and how it affects your eyes

Spring is a beautiful time of year. The snow melts, flowers bloom, and the weather warms up. For many people, however, spring also brings seasonal allergies. These allergies can wreak havoc on the eyes. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies, you know just how frustrating and uncomfortable they can be.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to a substance that it sees as a threat. These substances are known as allergens and can include: pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even certain foods. When your immune system encounters an allergen, it releases histamines, which cause inflammation and irritation.

How Allergies Affect Your Eyes

The most common allergen during allergy season is pollen. Pollen is released into the air when trees, flowers, and grasses start to bloom, which can trigger allergy symptoms. Pollen can cause your eyes to become red, itchy, and swollen. This condition is formally known as allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes and can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Redness

  • Clear, Watery Discharge 

  • Itching

  • Blurred vision

  • Burning

  • Swelling

How you can Manage your Symptoms

Avoid Triggers

Avoid coming into contact with allergens by keeping your windows closed, wearing sunglasses when you go outside, and staying indoors on high pollen days. 

Invest in a HEPA Filter

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are great at reducing the amount of allergens indoors that can put you at risk for irritation. 

Apply a Cold Compress

A cold compress can reduce inflammation and soothe itchy eyes. Simply apply a cold washcloth to your eyes for a few minutes at a time.

Use Eye Drops

Over-the-counter eye drops are great to relieve symptoms like redness and itching. Eye drops that are specifically designed for providing allergy relief are best. We highly recommend Pataday Extra Strength (Which we have for sale in our office) and Lastacaft. They are both once a day drops and tend to be less drying than the older generation drops. If you need help finding drops that are right for you and your symptoms, send us a message - we are happy to help! 

Take Medication

Certain medications can help manage your symptoms if they are severe. Antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids are all commonly used to treat allergy symptoms.

 

Allergy season can be a frustrating and uncomfortable time for many people. If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, it's important to take steps to help manage them and provide relief. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, be sure to contact us, so we can set-up a time to discuss treatment options and create a personalized plan for allergy relief.  


Sources: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343 

https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/eye-allergy/ 

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/protecting-eyes-allergy-season